Electric Conservation

Home Energy Conservation Tips

Save resources and money — and, if you do it right, you don’t have to be uncomfortable.

Insulate! Check the attic, outside walls, walls next to unheated areas, floors above unheated areas, foundation walls. We recommend R-38 (about 12 inches) in ceilings and R-19 (about 6 inches) in floors over unheated spaces
Insulate ducts where they run through cold areas
Install storm windows and doors or use plastic sheeting
Weatherstrip and caulk! Check for drafts around windows, door frames, foundation cracks, electrical outlets, etc.
Don’t block radiators and vents (including cold air returns) with furniture, drapes or rugs
Insulated attics need proper ventilation so they can ‘breathe'

Maintain your heating and cooling system by replacing air filters often and doing regular maintenance
Buy energy efficient appliances and use them efficiently
Clean dust and lint away from appliances (heating/cooling unit, refrigerators, hot water heaters, etc.) on a regular basis so the motors run more efficiently
When choosing new appliances, base your decision on what your needs are - don’t buy something too big for your needs
Consider moving your extra refrigerator or freezer out of the garage to the basement and your appliance won’t have to work so hard to stay cool
Make sure gaskets on the doors of refrigerators and stoves are tight

Light only the area where you are working, not the whole room
Turn off lights and appliances when they are not being utilized
Close vents in rooms that are not being used on a regular basis and close the door
Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines
Choose stove burner to fit the size of the pan you are using

Open window shades that receive direct sunlight during the day
Close shades at night
Set the thermostat at 68 degrees and lower the setting a few degrees at night, or when home is unoccupied
Wear layers of clothing and use extra blankets
Keep fireplace chimney dampers closed when not using the fireplace

Leave window shades that receive direct sunlight down during the day
Try to use the oven, dishwasher and other appliances that produce heat during the late evening and early morning
Set the thermostat no lower than 78 degrees and turn it up a few degrees when the house is unoccupied
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
Keep fireplace chimney dampers closed

Free energy audits for all customers. Sign up now, or call 874-7325.